Canadian military advises chaplains to avoid prayers and references to God

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces Ceremonial Guard. Photo: Postmedia

The Canadian Armed Forces have adopted new guidance for official events recommending that military chaplains refrain from mentioning God during public ceremonies. Instead of traditional prayers, they are encouraged to offer so-called "spiritual reflections," National Post reports.

According to the document, these reflections should avoid religious language and instead focus on universal values, shared human experiences, gratitude, hope, and mutual support. The new guidance applies to military parades, award ceremonies, change-of-command events, graduation ceremonies, and other official occasions where attendance by service members is mandatory.

Acting Canadian Forces Chaplain General Shawn Yaskiw said the purpose of the new policy is "to ensure that everyone present feels their beliefs are respected, including atheists."

The guidance has already drawn criticism from members of Canada's Conservative Party. Shadow Defence Minister James Bezan described it as another example of government interference in religious freedom, while MP Andrew Lawton called the policy "absolutely outrageous."

According to the National Post, military leaders say the changes are intended to uphold the state's religious neutrality and create an inclusive environment for personnel with diverse worldviews. At the same time, a 2021 review by the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service found that 61% of Canadian service members identify as religious.

As the UOJ previously reported, Canada plans to remove religious belief as a protected category from its hate speech legislation.

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